You're not wrong, but I'm more influenced by what bench we can put out, than predominantly who is the starter in the 11.
Go back to that nearly year and even with half the bench we have now, back then - we probably would of held out and won it.
I think thats the consistency we need, each player called in, is at, or near to the player he's replacing. Once we get that consistency, then the rest should hopefully sort itself.
As for Coutinho, right now I'd be more worried if a Lallana or Salah was looking to leave. Probably sounds daft, but thats how I feel. This Keita lad as well looks a player that whilst not having the trickery of a Coutinho, can potentially offer us more consistency as a team over a season.
I could be way wrong, but I'd rather once we get back to where we'd all like to be, I want us to stay there and rather than peak and trough, be consistent in the wider context.
I could be wrong tho and we turn to shite once the little treacherous twat leaves..... though I think there is more about us these days than just one or two players.